Ten Contestants Seek Title of Miss MC 2014
Sarah DeLee jumped at the opportunity to seek the crown at the 2014 Miss Mississippi College Pageant.
“I am so grateful that MC sponsors this pageant, allowing students like me to participate and encouraging young women to be scholastic, graceful, talented and well-informed citizens,” DeLee said.
A chemistry major and math minor, Sarah is among ten contestants competing in the university’s Miss MC Pageant at Swor Auditorium on January 30. The doors open at 6 p.m. on the Clinton campus.
A graduate of 2011 Parklane Academy in McComb, the MC junior hopes the pageant opens doors for her to win scholarship money for her senior year. DeLee plans to pursue physical therapy studies at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Nine of the ten MC contestants are Mississippi residents.
They include a 21-year-old biology major from Terry, Ramanda Dace. She says she signed up for the pageant because the event “allows young women to feel empowered, beautiful and competent.”
“I find joy and excitement in meeting new friends, stepping outside my box and feeling free-spirited,” says Dace, a future physician assistant. “ I feel as if this pageant is going to be one of the most memorable moments of my college experience.”
In the coming weeks, pageant contestants will polish their interview skills, practice their talents and rehearse under the bright lights at Swor Auditorium. Sharing duties as the show’s co-hosts are 2013 Miss Mississippi College Courtney Parella and Charlie Bell. Dannie Woods, assistant director of student life, returns as the show’s director.
Mary McRae, a 19-year-old mathematics major from Tishomingo County, calculated the benefits of the Miss MC Pageant, and decided to join. “ I hope to gain skills that I can carry into the real world, especially skills involving interviews and public speaking.”
A former student at Tishomingo County High in Iuka in north Mississippi, Mary plans to work for an insurance company after earning her Mississippi College diploma.
Other Mississippians entering the event include Billie Colbert of Lake, Alexandra Hendry of Ellisville, Meredith Hope Elaine Harrison and Lindi-Lane Smith, all from Clinton, Callie Rebekah Shirley of Madison and Allison Myers of Pascagoula. The contestant from across state lines is Janyl Igadna of Memphis.
Last year’s pageant enabled Courtney Parella of Grenada to spotlight her platform to help America’s homeless. She pushed the cause during her one-year reign as Miss MC and as a contestant in the 2013 Miss Mississippi Pageant in Vicksburg. A communication major and Kirk Academy graduate, Courtney sang “I Dream a Dream’’ from the movie Les Miserables at the January 2013 Miss MC Pageant.
“I can’t wait to spend the next few weeks getting to know all of these lovely ladies at practices,” Parella said. “ I pray that they all will give the glory to the Lord and have fun as they compete on January 30th,” the Deltan added. “Though it will be bittersweet to give up my crown, I know I will be giving it to a deserving young lady.”
Tickets for the 2014 pageant will be sold at the MC cafeteria for $5 or can be purchased at the door for $7.
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